A sports podiatrist is a healthcare specialist focused on treating and preventing foot and lower limb issues in athletes and other active individuals. They have a deep understanding of how the feet and legs function during physical activities and the specific stresses different sports place on these body parts. The role of a sports podiatrist is vital in enhancing athletic performance and preventing injuries. Sports podiatrists conduct thorough assessments, including gait analysis and biomechanical evaluations, to understand an athlete's foot structure and movement patterns. They offer expert advice on appropriate footwear and can design custom orthotic devices to correct biomechanical imbalances, enhance performance, or prevent injuries. They also treat a range of sports-related foot and ankle problems, ranging from overuse injuries to acute traumas. While all podiatrists can treat sports injuries to some degree, a sports podiatrist offers a more focused expertise in managing and preventing injuries specifically in athletes and those engaged in regular physical activities. If you are an athlete and are experiencing foot or ankle problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who has experience with sports injuries for an evaluation.
If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.
What Do Podiatrists Do?
On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:
It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Foot blisters are fluid-filled pockets that form on the skin's surface, commonly caused by friction, heat, and moisture. These blisters can be painful and uncomfortable, affecting individuals of all ages. Friction is a primary culprit in blister formation. When the skin repeatedly rubs against footwear or other surfaces, it can lead to irritation, causing a blister to develop as a protective mechanism. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, especially those that are too tight or loose, can exacerbate this problem. Heat and moisture also contribute to blister development. When your feet sweat excessively, it creates a moist environment inside your shoes, increasing the risk of friction. In hot weather, sweat can make the skin more vulnerable to blistering. Another potential cause of blisters is burns, whether from hot surfaces, chemicals, or sunburn, as they can damage the skin and result in blister formation. Understanding the causes of foot blisters is essential for prevention. If you do develop a blister, it is important to protect and care for it to avoid infection and promote healing, and a podiatrist can help you accomplish this. It is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can guide you toward healing and prevention techniques.
Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Richard DiMario of Maine. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
Symptoms
(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)
Prevention & Treatment
In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV, is a large family of viruses, with over 150 types, and it is common for individuals to contract at least one type during their lifetime. Symptoms vary depending on the HPV strain, and while approximately 75 percent of HPV types cause common warts, others lead to more serious conditions. Often, HPV shows no symptoms, making some of its effects silent. For instance, plantar warts are a lesser known manifestation of HPV. They develop under the pressure points of the feet, such as the heels or the balls of the feet, and can be identified by their hard, grainy texture. Although they can be painful due to their location, some individuals may not notice them if they are not causing discomfort. It is advisable to examine your feet regularly, checking for any new growths or changes, including warts, as they could indicate an HPV infection. If you find you have a wart on your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to have it examined and treated as necessary.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Treatment
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that results from inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. The hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp, stabbing heel pain, which can sometimes radiate along the arch or sole of the foot. Some individuals may experience periodic, temporary flares of intense heel pain, while others may have persistent, chronic discomfort in their feet. This pain is often most intense in the morning or after extended rest, and it typically eases within 10 minutes of walking or stretching. However, it can worsen toward the end of the day due to prolonged standing or activities, like climbing stairs and intense exercise, which can stress the plantar fascia. Inflammation of the plantar fascia can lead to visible swelling and redness around the heel and arch of the foot. Even when not visually swollen, the affected area can feel tender and puffy when touched. Additionally, the condition can affect the Achilles tendon, leading to pain. Tightness in the plantar fascia also can cause the foot to roll inward while walking, increasing stress and tension on the Achilles tendon. If you believe you may have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist, a medically trained foot doctor, who is able to help you manage this painful condition.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.
Prevention
There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
